Kids' Corner

Newbery and Caldecott Award Contenders

It’s January,  and that means the winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards will be announced-  this year on January 26.  Here are some titles published during 2008 that I think have a good chance of getting a medal or being named an Honor Book:

The Newbery Medal

(for outstanding writing in a book for children up to age 14)

The Underneath  by Kathi Appelt
This enchanting story begins with an abandoned cat making friends with an old bloodhound . . .  soon ancient myths and suspense join in.    For ages 9 – 12

Seer of Shadows   by Avi
Ghosts, revenge, and photography are involved in this historical thriller set in 1872 New York City.    For  grades 4 – 6

My One Hundred Adventures   by Polly Horvath
12 year old Jane looks forward to a summer filled with excitement in this humorous, thought-provoking, and beautifully written novel.   For grades 4 – 7

Savvy   by Ingrid Law
For years, each person in the Beaumont family receives a “savvy”, or supernatural power, on their 13th birthday.  A quirky cast of characters surrounds Mibs as she approaches her “magical” age.
For ages 9 – 14

Clementine’s Letter   by Sara Pennypacker
In this third laugh-out-loud book about the impulsive and endearing third grader, Clementine is afraid her beloved teacher will spend the rest of the school year in Egypt on an archeological dig.     For grades 2 – 4

The Caldecott Medal

(for the best American picture book of the year; the award goes to the illustrator.  Unless otherwise noted,  the author and illustrator are the same.)

Old Bear      by Kevin Henkes
As cozy and warm Old Bear sleeps, he vividly dreams of his younger self throughout the four seasons.  For preschool – grade 1

The Wave   by Suzy Lee
Only two colors appear in this wordless book:  charcoal and the bright blue of the ocean that a little girl is playing in. 
For K – grade 3

The Cardboard Piano    by Lynne Rae Perkins
Debbie and Tina are best friends, and agree on almost everything . . . except how wonderful the piano Debbie makes for Tina is.  The colorful  illustrations draw the reader into the girls’ lives.
For ages 4 – 7

Wabi Sabi     by Mark Reibstein
The title refers to a little cat in Japan, who sets out on a journey (beautifully illustrated with Ed Young’s collages) to discover the meaning of her name.     For ages 4 – 8

A Kitten Tale     by Eric Rohmann
Four kittens who have never seen snow imagine what it will be like- three of them fearfully and one of them joyfully.
For preschool – grade 1

If you’d like to find out the winners on January 26, go to
www.ala.org/alsc

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!
Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian